Clutter Busting: Purge Before You Splurge – Week #7

This week we will be focusing on the often seriously neglected areas: Zone #6 – the garage and the basement. Read on for detailed instructions to clean and organize this space in plenty time before Thanksgiving.

We are working on our sixth zone this week. For me that is my garage and basement. If you have decided to define zones differently in your home, just adjust these challenges to best suit your needs. I understand that for many of us these two areas are major clutter magnets! My answer is very simple… do what you can. Our autumn overhaul cleaning missions are nearly at an end and the holidays are upon us! After the New Year when the world quiets down a bit, you can focus more in depth with some of the area’s most in need. Keep in mind, these areas did not get overwhelmed with stuff in a week…so it is very unrealistic that you can correct the problem in a week!

Below is a sample of my list: (Please keep in mind to break up your job into tasks however it suits you best)

Purge in Garage
Purge in Basement
Pest Control
Organization
Clean cabinets and shelves
Clean Doors
Thoroughly sweep and mop (or hose) the floors
Clean or replace doormats
Clean windows & windowsills (if applicable)

Break the large list into daily checklists. I find it easiest for me to spend between 15-30 minutes each day on these challenges. In your own circumstances, you may have to break it up differently. Keep in mind, the true goal in this overhaul is to simply get things clean and organized before Thanksgiving. It doesn’t matter if you do it 15 minutes each day, or take one day a week and devote a couple hours to the project.Â

Monday:
Grab a bag and purge! Set the timer for 15-30 minutes and purge what you can in the garage. If this is a project that requires more than the time permits, just write this down for a project to do when you have a chance. Don’t let yourself get stuck!

Tuesday:
Grab a bag and purge! Set the timer for 15-30 minutes and purge what you can in the basement. Once again, if this is a project that requires more than the time permits, just write this down for a project to do when you have a chance. Don’t let yourself get stuck!

Wednesday:
Organize your stuff!! Do what you can by grouping like items together. There are some amazing organization products available for the garage!

Thursday:
Do some pest control today if you don’t have a service come to your home. Clean your shelves, doors and windows.

Friday:
Thoroughly sweep the floors (hose where necessary)

Saturday:
Buy a new doormat and make the entrance into your home inviting!

Sunday:
Free Day (or catch up)

For larger tasks, skip it for now (or do what you can without making a larger mess for yourself) and make a to-do list. At the end of our 8 weeks (or during, when you have the time) you can go back to the list to see what needs to still be addressed. I don’t want you to get stuck and lose your momentum.

Happy Cleaning!!
Betsy